EC flags infringements of bilateral agreements with Russia

European Commission launched (27-Jan-2011) infringement procedures against several Member States and is actively assessing the compliance with EU law of the remaining Member States' bilateral aviation agreements with Russia. The Commission is concerned that these agreements may hinder competition, breach EU rules on freedom of establishment, and provide a basis for Siberian overflight charges which may be illegal. Some examples relating to the countries against which infringement proceedings have been launched and carriers operating from the following countries must pay the Siberian overflight charges for services operating to Asia:

• Belgium;
• Netherlands;
• UK;
• Italy;
• Luxembourg;
• Sweden/Denmark (all Scandinavian carriers). [more] [more - additional press release]